Ignatius of Loyola said it this way: If our church is not marked by caring for the poor, the oppressed, the hungry, we are guilty of heresy.
Heresy does not merely live in church history books. It is alive and well today. Several years ago, one survey highlighted the confusion many American Christians have. When presented with several theological statements, many Christians agreed with heretical views.
So, take some time to learn Christian theology. What you think about God matters.
The quote we shared from Ignatius, though, offers a different idea. He puts our actions on trial. Now, what you believe often dictates what you do. I keep from saying always because we have a tendency to act in ways that go against what we say we believe. Case in point, we say we believe the gospel is for all people. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone who would disagree with that.
But many of our church programs and events aren’t geared toward everyone. They’re often directed at the “right kind” of potential members. In my pastoral experience, the right kind has been families. We’re looking for families who will bring their children to our events. And you better believe the right kind of members have the means to increase our church budget.
Along the way, we’ll try to serve those in need. But we don’t emphasize their value as much. More emphasis gets put on our willingness to show up to serve them. Heresy.
I’ve seen so many church leaders fawn over young families who show up to church. It’s the same kind of look when a new business owner or community leader comes. Not many people rush to greet the homeless woman.
The first response many of us have says something like, “But we need money to take care of our church and to do more good things.” Money is a tool. A resource. Of course. No one argues that.
But what vision are we funding with it? A vision that mirrors the American Dream? That’s heresy. Or our we trusting God to lead us to proclaim the Kingdom of God to all people?
Stay blessed…john
